Public Libraries Leading the Way is a quarterly column in Information Technology and Libraries (ITAL), the open-access journal of ALA's Core: Leadership, Infrastructure, Futures division.

This column highlights a technology-based innovation from a public library perspective. Topics we are interested in include the following, but proposals on any other technology topic are welcome: virtual and augmented reality; artificial intelligence; big data; internet of things; 3-D printing and makerspaces; robotics; drones; geographic information systems and mapping; diversity, equity, and inclusion and technology; privacy and cyber-security; library analytics and data-driven services; or anything else related to public libraries and innovations in technology.

Columns are in the 1,000-1,500 word range and may include illustrations. These will not be research articles, but are meant to share practical experience with technology development or uses within the library. Deadlines for 2021 are the first week of February, May, August, and November.

If you have questions, please contact Ken Varnum, Editor of Information Technology and Libraries, at varnum@umich.edu.